During this 10-month program, Naturalist Interns will be mentored and trained by our experienced Naturalists and Program Coordinators. After a paid training period, Naturalist Interns will teach hands-on science, cultural history and team building; as well as belay on our climbing wall and high ropes course and facilitate our zip line. Additionally, paid training is provided throughout the year in areas including educational theory, classroom and group management, background in relevant sciences, local natural and cultural history, and job search counseling. Sierra Outdoor School also has an impressive Raptor Center. Naturalist Interns will have the opportunity to learn non-releasable raptor management including feeding, handling, and teaching with the birds as educational ambassadors.

Summary

The Naturalist Internship at Sierra Outdoor School offers a unique experience for folks looking to get into the field of Environmental Education and develop their teaching skills in an outdoor setting. After weeks of paid training, Naturalist Interns will teach hands-on NGSS-aligned curriculum in natural sciences and local history to primarily 4th and 6th grade students participating in our Science and History programs. Additionally, they will belay students on our climbing wall and high ropes course, and lead teambuilding initiatives for students of all ages as part of our Adventure Program. Visiting teachers design their trip by selecting programming off a class menu with over 25 different class options. This means that Naturalist Interns will very rarely do the same thing every day, and gain invaluable experience in various subject areas, group management techniques, lesson planning, and much more. Naturalist Interns are mentored throughout the year by our experienced team of Naturalists and Program Coordinators and offered various training and professional development opportunities throughout this 10-month internship. Naturalist Interns work an average of 40-hour weeks, with almost all weekends off (all teaching staff rotate through weekend raptor-care duties resulting in each intern working 2 hours on the weekend 2-3 times per year).

Naturalist Internship Commitment: August 5, 2024 – June 6, 2025.

Application Process - To apply go to Edjoin SOS Naturalist Intern

Qualifications

● College degree in science, education, recreation, or a related field preferred. Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience is acceptable.

● Previous experience working with children is preferred.

● Valid driver’s license, clear fingerprints and background check, and negative TB test.

● High ropes/climbing experience is beneficial, but not required.

● Ability to hike up to five miles per day in all weather conditions and lift between 10 – 50 lbs.

● Self-motivated, positive, energetic, and passionate about teaching and the outdoors.

● Willingness to live on site, in shared housing, in a remote setting.

Compensation Information

Salary

● Monthly stipend of $2,640

Perks included

● Each Naturalist Intern will have their own private bedroom in a shared house. You will never need to sleep in dorms with students.

● Wilderness First Aid, CPR, & AED training at no cost

● Meals in the dining hall when students are being served

● Food staples provided on a weekly basis including pasta, milk, eggs, butter, quinoa, sugar, flour, lentils, etc.

● Paid day to visit another educational program

● $150 towards a conference

● Pro-deals with select outfitters

● Live and work in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Sonora, CA (just 1.5 hours from Yosemite)!